Dobbies faces legal battle with Sir Tom Hunter

Garden centre chain Dobbies was today set for a legal clash with billionaire entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter over its plans to raise £150 million from shareholders.

Freescale sale plan runs into dead end

Freescale Semiconductor conceded finally yesterday that it was "unlikely" to find a buyer to continue production at its East Kilbride fabrication plant - a view its employees have held since its plans to quit the site were revealed by The Herald 11 months ago.

	Decision day for parties interested in British Energy
	At least three companies - Spanish energy group Iberdrola, French utility EDF and the German-based power generator RWE - are expected to submit bids for British Energy when the deadline for offers expires today.

Lloyds TSB in cautious mood

Eric Daniels, the chief executive of Lloyds TSB, and the rest of banking giant's board of directors yesterday could hardly contain their self-satisfaction amid the global credit crunch that had rocked almost everyone's world but theirs.

MPC holds off rate cut... for now

The Bank of England yesterday declined to implement consecutive monthly cuts in benchmark UK interest rates, with inflation fears likely to have led to it staying its hand in spite of signs that economic growth is slowing sharply.

Bank’s assets ‘hold no appeal’ for Royal & Sun

Insurer Royal & Sun Alliance distanced itself yesterday from reports that it might be in the frame to buy parts of Royal Bank of Scotland' s £5bn insurance business.

BPI first-half earnings hit by currency woes

British Polythene Industries (BPI) said performance had improved since April but that results for the first half would still be behind those of last year.

Carphone Warehouse in link with Best Buy

A chain of Best Buy electronics stores is to be built in the UK in defiance of worries about a subdued British consumer after the US company bought a 50% stake in the retail arm of Carphone Warehouse.

Diageo on track to meet profit forecasts

Johnnie Walker whisky producer Diageo announced it was on track to meet profit forecasts after reporting sales growth of 7% over the nine months to the end of March.

Next shares rise as investors look past grim first-quarter performance

Next, the high street fashion retailer, yesterday reported a grim first-quarter performance but saw its share price rise sharply after saying warmer weather led a recovery in sales this month.

Virgin Media reduces losses

Virgin Media said yesterday it has cut its losses, added more customers and is on track for revenue growth after last year's bitter dispute with rival BSkyB.

ProStrakan closer to launch of male menopausal cure after trial success

ProStrakan, the Borders-based specialist drugs firm, yesterday said it had successfully completed a clinical trial for Fortigel as part of the push to launch its cure-all for male menopause in the US.

Drinks firm keeps it in the family

A fifth-generation member of the Grant Gordon distilling dynasty has been appointed to be the new chairman of William Grant & Sons.

Next shares rise after upbeat forecast

Fashion chain Next today said the warmer weather had boosted trading as it looks to recover from a difficult start to the year.

Carphone Warehouse in £1.1bn deal with Best Buy

Carphone Warehouse today announced plans to create a European consumer electronics empire after striking a £1.1 billion deal with US group Best Buy.

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